Illinois River Valley camping sites near Peru, Illinois offer campers sites ranging from 450 to 750 feet in elevation. Seasonal weather can challenge campers with swift temperature changes during spring and fall months. Most campgrounds in the region maintain operating seasons from April through October, though some extend to year-round availability depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Kayaking the Illinois River: Launch from Kayak Starved Rock Campground for direct river access. "You can anchor and explore this small island– in fact, bring a blanket and picnic basket and make a day of it," suggests a visitor referring to Plum Island. The campground sits directly across from Starved Rock State Park, providing unique views from the water.
Canyon hiking in less crowded areas: Matthiessen State Park Equestrian Campground offers access to trails with fewer visitors than nearby alternatives. "There exists a combination of EZ, intermediate and difficult hiking and riding paths," notes one reviewer. The park's 5 miles of trails feature interesting limestone formations and seasonal waterfalls.
Wildlife observation: Buffalo Rock State Park provides viewing opportunities for native and introduced species. "Real live Buffalo are a treat for kids and animal lovers. A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk," explains a camper. This smaller park offers river overlooks without the crowds found at larger parks in the region.
What campers like
River views from campsites: Great Falls Campground at Illini State Park provides direct Illinois River frontage. "We had a nice quiet spot right on the river. With the locks closed this year, the traffic on the river was way down," mentions a reviewer. These riverside sites fill quickly during peak season.
Natural separation between sites: Starved Rock Family Campground maintains good spacing between camping areas. "Sites aren't stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level," states one camper. Another notes, "The site is large enough for a nice dog walk and a very short drive to starved rock."
Off-season camping advantages: Campers report benefits to visiting during less busy periods. "Definitely a very relaxed and clean campground that isn't busy and has really cheap rates for off-season camping. $18 a night for walk-in and we got a 50amp spot right in front of the Illinois river," reports one visitor to Illini State Park.
What you should know
Water levels affect site conditions: Several campgrounds face occasional flooding challenges. At Pleasant Creek Campground, "A heavy downpour resulted in water up over our ankles all through the site! Thank goodness the tents floated while we hunkered down in our vehicles," warns one camper. Sites along creeks and in lower elevations face highest risk.
Booking requirements vary: Some campgrounds operate on first-come systems while others require advance planning. "Got kicked out cause I didn't have a horse. Even though it was completely empty," reports a visitor to Matthiessen State Park's equestrian campground, highlighting the importance of understanding site restrictions.
Facilities differ widely between parks: Bathroom and shower quality ranges significantly. "The showers on site TRICKLED, not even enough to wash your hair. The sinks constantly run, they don't shut off," notes a camper at Illini State Park. Research facility conditions before arrival, especially for longer stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Nature's Way RV Park provides dedicated play areas. "Above and beyond this, there's a designated propane refilling station, very well-maintained restroom and shower facilities, basketball court, scattered picnic tables and stand-up BBQ grills, WiFi and cable access, kid's playground, community fire rings," details one visitor.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with pools during summer months. A Pleasant Creek Campground visitor notes, "The kids loved going to the playground and they do have an arcade but other that that there's not much to do. A little creek runs through the campground and you can walk along that."
Starved Rock State Park hiking caution: Trails can challenge younger children. "People get down on Illinois. And I get it. It's a typical Midwest state and it's mostly pretty flat. But...then there's Starved Rock! Easily accessible to most of IL residents, Starved Rock is a great half-day for anyone looking for hiking, waterfalls, and views, views, views!" A visitor recommends: "We enjoyed a quick trail mix snack at the bottom of the steep inclines. Gave the kiddos the energy they needed to make it to the top."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Lasalle/Peru KOA, "The spots are very tight and you have very little room between you and your neighbor. With all the rain this year, many sites flooded during a storm while we camped and they had to be moved to other areas that were not actual sites," reports one RVer. Request higher elevation sites when possible.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential wait times. "The dump station was also up a one way in/out hill. You had to make a tight U-turn coming down from your site to get up to it. Plan on going early otherwise you're going to get stuck on the hill waiting…even after you finished dumping," advises a Pleasant Creek Campground visitor.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging navigation. At Starved Rock Family Campground, "When we checked in, we just got a map and no rules or information sheet. Their rules etc. are on their website." Another visitor at Pleasant Creek notes, "To get up to the sites, it's a one way up and down road. Hopefully no one else is coming the opposite direction."
